BOOK 10, Chptr. 4, P&V pg. 692

Book 10, Chapter 4

Having not heeded Andrew’s earlier advice to evacuate to Moscow, the family is still at Bald Hills when the French attack the nearby town of Smolénsk.

Summary:

Worried the old Prince is careless of their safety, the household tutor requests Mary ask advice of the Governor. Mary’s letter will be carried by a senior servant named Alpátych, who the Old Prince is sending on errands to Smolénsk. On the road, Alpátych sees people and soldiers moving everywhere. In Smolénsk, many citizens are evacuating. The Governor tells Alpátych Bald Hills is no longer safe, and they need to go to Moscow at once. Before Alpátych can leave town with his purchases, the French begin bombarding the city. There is massive confusion. Buildings are set afire. The Russian army is trying, apparently without success, to stop Napoleon outside the city. Alpátych runs into Prince Andrew, and Andrew sends with him a note for Princess Mary that the household must evacuate Bald Hills and go to Moscow at once. Napoleon may reach Bald HIlls in a few days.

quote from the chapter:

Prince Andrew in his riding cloak, mounted on a black horse, was looking at Alpátych from the back of the crowd.
Why are you here? he asked.
Your… your excellency, stammered Alpátych and broke into sobs. Are we really lost? Master!…
Why are you here? Prince Andrew repeated.
At that moment the flames flared up and showed his young master’s pale worn face. Alpátych told how he had been sent there and how difficult it was to get away.
Are we really quite lost, your excellency? he asked again.
Prince Andrew without replying took out a notebook and raising his knee began writing in pencil on a page he tore out. He wrote to his sister:
Smolénsk is being abandoned. Bald Hills will be occupied by the enemy within a week. Set off immediately for Moscow.”

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